Basement Waterproofing Case Studies: Clayton, Mi Worsening Wet Basement Problems Call For Waterpoofing Contractor

Challenge

A Clayton, Mi homeowner found themselves in a difficult situation. They had recently purchased an older home that was built in 1954 on a block foundation. However, during the viewing of the home the previous owners had used a series of shelves and cabinets to hide cracks in the basement wall. A fact this homeowner was unaware of until they had settled in for over 2 years, and the problem continued to worsen until the cracks began letting water into the basement. One morning the homeowner went to do their laundry in the unfinished basement per their usual routine and discovered a lightly flooded basement to their shock. Their carpeting was thoroughly ruined, and the newly wet basement problem felt incredibly sudden. The desperately needed a basement waterproofing contractor near Clayton, Mi to discover the cause of the problem and help them figure out just what to do!         

Project Manager Keith Brown was sent out to sit-down with the homeowner and talk through their understanding of the problem and main concerns. Keith thoroughly inspected the property and tracked down the causes of the problem. He reported on the hidden horizontal cracks along the basement wall that were leaking through and how the walls were also bowing. An exterior inspection of the problem also revealed that the current gutter situation was likely a contributing factor, with water being discharged to a shallow dirt basin near a basement window. These factors were compounding to create a larger series of issues that could continue to evolve over time. Keith outlined a plan to not only address the current situation but help prevent future problems as well.                                                 

Solution

Firstly, the carpet was ruined, beyond reproach and risked mold growth; if they kept it at this point, it needed to be removed. The bowing walls also needed to be addressed for the sake of foundation repair and support, to prevent further foundation damage, basement cracks and the like. The installation of the PowerBrace Support system was recommended; consisting of steel I-beams that are secured to the joists above the wall with steel brackets. This system is easily adjustable, allowing for tightening of the brace to attempt to raise the wall back to its original position. This system doesn't involve any exterior excavation and installs quickly with minimal disruption to your basement space. A combination of a high functioning sump pump and proper basement drainage system could help address the need for waterproofing. WaterGuard is an ideal customizable drainage system that fits along the perimeter of a basement, sitting along foundation footing. This allows the drainage system to be far less likely to clog from dirt and debris as it collects and drains away water to a specified basin and pump. The sump pump in this case would be the TripleSafe system, which gets its name by being a combination set of 3 sump pumps that work together. A powerful primary pump that can handle most needs with 1/3 HP, a secondary pump ready to kick in in case of extreme water inflow that raises the level to a certain amount and finally a battery backup powered third pump capable of pumping out almost 12,000 gallons of water on a single charge in case of a power outage. As a precaution to prevent more water from getting in via entryways, a Trench Drain was also implemented; engineered with Grated Draining Pipes to span the opening and prevent water from flowing into your basement. The grated opening of this system is designed to accept water from the floor, where it's then redirected to the perimeter drain and sump pump.                                             

With the primary waterproofing done, the next needs to address were to replace the removed and water-damaged drywall, as well as address the need for a new discharge. The new dual sump discharge in question would consist of 20' with freeze prevention and drain to a bubbler pot. A similar solution would be used to extend the gutters to drain further out away from the house, so water was less likely to creep in. The walling would be replaced with a full height installation of the CleanSpace Wall system. CleanSpace® Wall is a 100% waterproof plastic vapor barrier that's perfect for unfinished basement walls. With a 25-year warranty for wear and tear, it's durable, washable, and has anti-microbial protection called UltraFresh built right in! CleanSpace® is pliable enough to cover uneven surfaces and irregular walls, including areas with large rocks or similar obstacles. Additionally, it's a great way to prevent humidity from making its way through your concrete walls and into your basement.                                    

With all these new solutions in place, and the homeowner walked through each step of the process, they were relieved to no longer have to worry about any other basement flooding, foundation damage, or wall crack surprises. With a dry basement, and peace of mind, they could go on with their lives without worry.